New forum suggestion....

G

guinness

Joined
Oct 3, 1998
Messages
99
Straight Razors--strops--pastes--soaps--mugs
the lost art of shaving with a straight razor, things like that. No better group of guys than this to discuss that sort of thing. If anyone on the planet knows sharp things, we do! I've recently acquired a straight razor, strop and stone, and am slowly getting the hang of this gig. Its a blast, but there is a lot I don't know. It would be great to have a place to BS about it. I know there are quite a few collectors of antique razors out there, that facet could be discussed too. I just want to share what I've learned so far and maybe learn some more about actually SHAVING with them and their upkeep. If anyone else may be interested, please say so maybe we could get something started!.....jeff
 
Just responding cuz I hate seeing "0" after a post that's been up for over 12 hours.
smile.gif


Sounds like a good idea to me, Guinness.

You might wanna try posting at the Suggestions Forum as well.

Not allowed to put sharp things at my neck anymore, I remain,
VG

------------------
Vampire Gerbil: Nosferatus Rodentus Moderatus; similar to a domestic gerbil, except for the odd accent and little black cape.


 
I think strait razors went out of style because too many people cut their own throats with them.

Do we really want to bring them back?

BTW, VG, you are very compassionate.

------------------
"If they do these things in a green tree, what will they do in a dry?"
 
I used one for years before going with a full beard. I'm surprised more lovers of blades
haven't taken it up. And there are good reasons. Razors are another fun thing to collect. Shaving with one makes economic and environmental sense. And for the skittish they're very safe and very easy to learn how to use. I had to teach myself so had a few cuts along the way but learned surprisingly quick but now there are good websites and plenty of information to help anybody looking to take the plunge.
I guess it can even be called a macho type thing :-)
 
Stop when you get to bone.

David Rock

------------------
AKTI Member # A000846
Stop when you get to bone.
 
actually, I think it's strop when you get to the bone as you'll need it extra sharp to cut through.

There's only one thing I like more than a good, sharp blade.... two good, sharp blades wrapped in micro-thin wire and mounted in a pivoting handle that took scientists and engineers years of research and development to perfect. I see shaving with a straight razor a little like driving a Model T. There's a certain nostalgia and it's fun every now and then, but for the daily commute, I'd like something that at least has an automatic choke and electric starter.

Every now and then, I make my way to downtown Portland to The Old Tonsorial Parlor for a straight shave the old fashioned way with the hot lather and everything. It's a great pleasure and the closest shave you'll ever get. But those are licensed tonsorialists (Oregon still licenses tonsorialists, you know. There are several dozen in this great state.). When I do the do-it-yourself job most mornings, I want all the help modern technology can give me.

BTW, I do have, in my collection, a balisong razor. Kind of fun piece, eh. How about that in your barber's hand?



------------------
Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.4cs.net/~gollnick
 
D. Epstein

Have used a straight Razor for years and haven't slit my throat yet. However, as to your suggestion, I can think of a number of people that I might add to my "Christmas List!
smile.gif


MNH
 
Lets not let Hollywood influence us. Remember what happened with the general public's opinion of the switchblade. Shaving with a straight razor is MUCH easier and safer than you think. Granted it takes a bit of practice...I'm getting better every day. I have only cut myself a couple times, and they wee more scrapes than anything else. Sorta like you get around the chin with a modern razor. Nothing major at all. Believe me you WILL be careful, if for no other reason than the ridiculous fears implanted in your brain. I urge you guys who have never done it to give it a shot. I'm having a blast learning how to do this, and keeping it sharp is half the fun!...jeff
 
OK I don't think anyone in my family will use one and here's why.

When my Uncle Mario was a young man in the 1920's he was getting ready to go to a dance one Saturday night. Uncle Mario was quite a character and being Italian made a lot of hand gestures. So Uncle Mario is looking in the mirror shaving with his straight razor singing a little tune, enjoying himself, waving his hands around to the sound of his voice, when yup down comes the razor and slices off the tip of his nose!!!
frown.gif
Just left it hanging there by that little piece of skin between the nostrils. Well uncle Mario being the character I said he was, he isn't going to miss the big dance, so he gets some adhesive tape and sticks the tip back on.

I always wondered why he had a funny looking nose when I was a kid, before I heard the razor-nose story.

So if your, (1) Italian or (2) a character, maybe you should think twice about a straight razor.
wink.gif



------------------
LD
"Every Dog Has His Day"
BFC Member Since October 2, 1998

 
I tried shaving with a straight razor. I Gave up after a couple of attempts. Call it an error of my youth. (Not that I'm any smarter than you are, Guinness. I'm the guy who tests the sharpness of my knives by slicing my own arm.)

Shaving with a straight razor is great sport for people like you and me. We're fascinated by warm blood and cold steel but we're too socially retarded to try out for a hockey team.

Maybe I'll take it up again someday. Do you think it will void my insurance policy?

David Rock

------------------
AKTI Member # A000846
Stop when you get to bone.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top